‘Joy of My Life’ — Celebrating Jay Gephart’s Purdue ‘All-American’ Marching Band Legacy

This Is Purdue

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jay Gephart, the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands & Orchestras, conductor of Purdue Wind Ensemble and director of the “All-American” Marching Band.

The prestigious marching band is known as the heartbeat of the university, with Jay serving as its fifth director. In this episode you will:

• Hear about the legacy Jay hopes to leave as he steps down at the end of the 2024 season.
• Journey around the world celebrating the incredible events where the “All-American” Marching Band has performed, such as the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics; the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin; the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City; and the Indianapolis 500.
• Discover some of Jay’s favorite band traditions — including the storied “Block P” formation, which has been used since 1907 when the band broke with the tradition of marching exclusively in military formations.
• Look back on the marching band’s greatest performances from over the years, like the beloved halftime shows, one of which even included an homage to an iconic movie franchise. Hint: Stormtroopers took charge of the World’s Largest Drum, and Purdue Pete Skywalker had to battle Darth Hoosier.
• Learn who makes the incredible alumni base of the marching band unique — from Neil Armstrong to Orville Redenbacher to the dedicated members who give back again and again and again.

Don’t miss this episode celebrating Jay Gephart’s leadership and impact on Purdue Bands & Orchestras.